Often the
need for foundation repairs arises from a
combination of the heavy rains, hot drying days,
occasional plumbing problems, and the highly expansive
soil of the Dallas-Ft Worth area.
DFW's soil is most often the root cause of our
foundation problems. Our soil contains varying levels of
a clay material called Montmorillonite. Due to the
presence of this clay, water may cause the soil to expand
by as much as 30%, up to 6 inches in some areas of
Dallas-Ft Worth. The different levels of moisture at the
perimeter and interior under the house creates upheaval,
slumping and slab breaking forces, that create the need
for foundation repairs. It is also possible that the
problems began during construction, due to inadequate soil
compaction, improper land slope (drainage), or inadequate
foundation design.
Watering - Excessive water on one or more sides of a
house causes soil swelling at the perimeter, while the
center of the foundation remains relatively stable. Stress
builds and slabs break, leading to the need for repairs.
Drainage – When land slopes toward the house, water
flow is under and around that portion of the foundation,
causing swelling and sometimes erosion. Slope must be
downward, away from house. Check for adequate drainage of
A/C units and gutters. No ponding or pooling of water
near the house.
Sun and Heat – Areas of the foundation that receive full sunlight dry out
first. Both in summer and winter, walk around the house
and look for soil pulling away from the slab. In the
absence of shade trees, the Southwest corner quickly bakes
dry each summer.
Trees and Shrubs
– Planted close to the house, roots reach under the house,
sucking moisture, causing excessive drying and soil
shrinkage.
Plumbing Leaks – Localized swelling of the soil occurs
due to dripping water or sewage pipes and when left
unattended, will cause the need for foundation repairs.
Soil Compaction – Builders sometimes fail to adequately
compact the soil. Poorly compacted areas provide
inadequate foundation support, leading to foundation
failure. |